I happen to live in a "conservative country" and I happen to read conservative newspapers. But if I read more and more articles in those "conservative" newspapers that clearly indicate Cambodia as the "the Thailand 20 years ago" and Phnon Phen has in the meantime turned into a veritable "boom-town", then I wonder how little interest postings concernig Cambodia generate.

Especially now, that everyone seems to (finally) have realised the fact that the purchase of a Beer-Bar in Pattaya is not such a grand idea!

To me it looks like one of those rare "ground floor opportunities", that (if missed), will eventually produce comments like: " I should have, why diden't I do it?"

Cheers.

Absolutely true swissie, I'm thinking about trying out Phnom Penh, after a couple of visits there I really like the buzz of the place, I've been checking out other forums to see what people think about the scene in 'the penh' and lots of people think that it has a lot going for it, I say if you have the opportunity to do it then DO IT!

No regrets - except a few thousand Euros perhaps

I've never had any urge to open a bar in Thailand although I have 'helped out' in a bar before and that was quite a quiet bar on an island so the thought of opening a bar in Pattaya or somewhere similar has never appealed to me, however, Phnom Penh does appeal and it feels very fresh!

Phnom Penh has an exciting future IMO

Interesting to note that there are quite a few posts relating to doing business in the countries near Thailand.

IS it that people are fed up of all the restrictions placed on foreign business in Thailand?

Is it related to the recent economic and governmental issues?

Is it something else?

After 5 years here in Thailand I am reviewing all my options -i would love to stay here as I have invested so much (personal time and money!) but the vibes just arent right!

I doubt if i could survive back home so what are my options? Cambodia, 'Nam, Laos?

Yes appleman, I believe Frarangs are starting to realize, that no matter what they do (or not do), they are merely a tolerated species that has the privilege to spend their money on Thai soil.

The restrictions (in any way), imposed on Frarangs simply borders on lunacy. It may have something to do with a Farangs efficiency at whatever he does as opposed to "Thai-Efficiency". So there may be a protective reflex in play.

Thai's have never understood why their Chinese Citizens are so very successful at whatever business venture they engage in. But they start to realize that it actually may have something to do with "hard work, discipline and efficiency". All attributes that do not necessarily apply to the Thai populace.(!?).

Imagine this: If in Europe, the Thai-Lady being married to a "native" man, would have to report to the "authorities" every 90 days, a howl of protest would go through the media on the spot. (= discriminaton, violation of human rights, observation of the person, as this particular person may have turned bad within the last 90 days and now may possibly be on the "most wanted list" etc.etc.

Unthinkable in Europe! But perfectly applicable in Thailand!

- So, in closing: If ever in the near future, a country in SE Asia offers a less restrictive environment for foreigners and is not afraid of a certain creative input and increased efficiency of doing things (for the benefit of the country, lastly), Thailand may find itself in an "Exodus-Like" situation as far as the "Farang-Residents" are concerned.

- Or: If you are making every effort to kill the goose that lays a lot of golden eggs for your country, don't be surprised if the goose leaves one day to lay her golden eggs somewhere else!

Cheers.

Yes appleman, I believe Frarangs are starting to realize, that no matter what they do (or not do), they are merely a tolerated species that has the privilege to spend their money on Thai soil.

The restrictions (in any way), imposed on Frarangs simply borders on lunacy. It may have something to do with a Farangs efficiency at whatever he does as opposed to "Thai-Efficiency". So there may be a protective reflex in play.

Thai's have never understood why their Chinese Citizens are so very successful at whatever business venture they engage in. But they start to realize that it actually may have something to do with "hard work, discipline and efficiency". All attributes that do not necessarily apply to the Thai populace.(!?).

Imagine this: If in Europe, the Thai-Lady being married to a "native" man, would have to report to the "authorities" every 90 days, a howl of protest would go through the media on the spot. (= discriminaton, violation of human rights, observation of the person, as this particular person may have turned bad within the last 90 days and now may possibly be on the "most wanted list" etc.etc.

Unthinkable in Europe! But perfectly applicable in Thailand!

- So, in closing: If ever in the near future, a country in SE Asia offers a less restrictive environment for foreigners and is not afraid of a certain creative input and increased efficiency of doing things (for the benefit of the country, lastly), Thailand may find itself in an "Exodus-Like" situation as far as the "Farang-Residents" are concerned.

- Or: If you are making every effort to kill the goose that lays a lot of golden eggs for your country, don't be surprised if the goose leaves one day to lay her golden eggs somewhere else!

Cheers.

Your sentiments are spot on Swissie, but alas i think the exodus you speak of will never happen.

People are queuing up to buy land and houses that they dont really own, and will basically crawl across fields of broken glass so that they may reside in this fair land.

Those of us who see through the LOS BS may see things in a more neutral light, but im afraid we are certianly in the minority.

The place has great beaches, a relatively comfortable lifestyle doesnt cost the earth, and then there are the ladies that attract many a man here. Many poeple would report every 7 days if they had to, willingly.